October 2, 2009

Rio, Madrid finalists for 2016 Olympics

Rio de Janeiro and Madrid Friday survived the initial voting by the International Olympic Committee choosing the host site for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Chicago was the first city eliminated from the voting with the fewest supporters, followed by Tokyo.

Thousands of people gathered at rally at Daley Plaza in Chicago let out an audible gasp as the result of the first round of voting was announced in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Tokyo was eliminated in the second round, leaving Rio de Janiero and Madrid as the two finalist cities for the Games.

Chicago was eliminated despite an appearance in Copenhagen Friday by President Barack Obama.

To host athletes and visitors from every corner of the globe is a high honor and a great responsibility, Obama told the IOC. We are a nation that has always opened its arms to the citizens of the world -- including my own father -- who have sought something better; who have dreamed of something bigger.

In his presentation, Obama spoke of Chicago's international character.